One of the great things about VWs is that enthusiasm for the brand has filtered through to just about every corner of the globe – and nowhere is that interest as great as in Japan. That’s why we sent our European trade account manager Aurelie Mouth to one of the country’s most illustrious gatherings for older Dubs, her hosts for the weekend none other than top Tokyo VW specialists Flat 4. Aurelie tells the story of her fascinating visit…
I arrived in Tokyo on the Friday before the show which gave me time for a bit of sightseeing in Tokyo and the opportunity to visit the HQ of Japan’s top VW specialists Flat 4.
It’s an amazing building with a shop full of goodies from the VW scene – all presented in a retro US theme with Coca-Cola cooler, Jukebox and bar… It certainly makes you feel very comfortable – so much so, I didn’t really want to leave!
On the Saturday morning (October 5th), we left Tokyo to go to Nakaizu Winery Hills, where the 3rd Klassisches VW Treffen in Japan took place. I had the chance to drive in a 1950 Cabriolet Beetle from the Flat 4 car fleet and enjoyed some of the most spectacular scenary imaginable.
It was a beautiful and peaceful location in the middle of the vineyard with a splendid view of the Mount Fuji, at least when the sky is clear!
On Saturday evening, we had a fantastic ceremony where all the participants and the sponsors were invited. We had a very good dinner and lot of fun with a lucky draw – I even won a pair of stainless steel headlamp rings!
Sunday was the real show day. There are only one-day shows in Japan, but Flat 4 is trying to make the concept of a two-day show more popular…
A total of 35 cars were in attendance. It’s not a big number, but the cars there were all very special and very rare. It’s a vintage show, so only original pre-‘59 VWs were allowed to enter. Everyone was very proud of their cars and with good reason!
It was an unforgettable weekend and it was great to share my VW passion with other VW fans on the other side of the world! A big thanks to Flat 4 and Mr Komori for their professionalism and their hospitality.
See you next time!
Aurelie